Life Scientists

Snapshot

Life Scientists examine the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of humans, animals, plants and other living organisms to better understand how living organisms function and interact with each other and the environment in which they live.

Life Scientists

How many are employed in this occupation?

12,900

What are the average weekly earnings for full time workers ($ before tax)?

$1500

How does unemployment compare with other occupations?

Below average

What are the job prospects for this occupation?

Below average

What will be the likely future employment growth for the next five years?

Tasks

This occupation may include associated occupations with varying tasks.

designing and conducting experiments, making observations and measurements, researching information, analysing data, preparing or supervising the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presenting findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervising the work of staff

studying the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination

investigating the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms

examining micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and using the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes

investigating the effects of environmental factors, such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography and disease, on plant growth

planning and undertaking experiments to study, measure and understand marine animals and plants

studying the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, algae and fungi, and the effects they have on plants, animals and humans to develop medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental and other practical applications

investigating the interrelationships between animals in their natural surroundings, in captivity and in laboratories

Job Titles

Life Scientist

Anatomist or Physiologist

Biochemist

Biotechnologist

Botanist

Marine Biologist

Microbiologist

Zoologist

Life Scientists

University

Bachelor of Science*

Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science*

Analyst

The Analyst

As an analyst you are someone who is highly motivated by getting things done the right way. You are someone that operates by the idea 'if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well'. This means that your greatest driver is making sure that you are objective, considered and practical in your approach to tasks and people. You are the type of person that would think things through and make sure you are taking the right approach before you commit to anything. You are also someone that keeps your emotions and thoughts to yourself, are cautious and thorough and consider all the options before taking action. You are someone that thinks before acting.

When it comes to making a decision an Analyst is someone who makes sure the outcome is fair and principled. This means that an Analyst always weighs up the options before deciding on what they think is 'right'. They are also often able to foresee pitfalls and problems in a plan because of their ability to reflect and think before they act.

In a work context Analysts enjoy sitting and working on a task until they get it right. They enjoy working through solutions and doing things in a logical, structured and thought-out manner. They are not people who take risks, are spontaneous or outwardly enthusiastic. Analysts like to work with people who put their heads done and work away at achieving their goals the right way.

Driver

The Driver

As a Driver you are someone that is highly motivated by results and achieving things. You are someone that is driven by making things happen and enjoy action, challenges and have a 'just do it' attitude. You are at your best when you have responsibility, leadership and the opportunity to get results. When you're given a task your main focus is to get on with it and get it done. This makes you a highly motivated, action-orientated person.

Flexor

The Flexor

As a Flexor, you are someone that put equal importance on the needs of others, getting results and getting things done correctly. This means you are open minded and willing to be flexible and adaptable no matter what. As a Flexor you are someone who cares about what people think and feel. You are also someone who enjoys being a member of a group and wants to keep the group happy and see the best way of doing this is to flex your behaviour and attitude according to the situation. The key strength of a Flexor is that you're someone who approaches any task, situation or conflict with an open mind and without personal agendas or 'must win' attitudes. This makes you a good team player and someone that is easy to get along with.

Carer

The Carer

As a Carer you feel the greatest sense of satisfaction and reward when you're nurturing and caring for others. You are someone who is driven by being open and responsive to the needs and welfare of others and this is your biggest motivation in relating to people. This makes you a caring and compassionate person who always likes to make sure the needs of the people around you are met.

As a carer, when it comes to making decisions you always look for ways to help people and the needs and values of others are a key factor in how you reach a conclusion and how you interact in a work and social context. You don't like to be a burden to others so when it comes to a group decision you're likely to weigh up what others want and go with that as you don't like feeling responsible for putting others out or not allowing them to be heard. In a work context you are someone who flourishes in environments where you can be supportive, loyal, trusted, caring and helpful. This means working in a team that cares about each other, does work that is meaningful and focused around the welfare of others and ensures people reach their full potential, will bring out the best in you.